Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois features both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas across varied terrain. Jackson Falls offers free primitive camping with multiple sites situated along trails and near sandstone bluffs popular with rock climbers. Lake Glendale Recreation Area, Bell Smith Springs, and Garden of the Gods provide established campgrounds with more amenities for tent and RV campers. Several locations offer year-round access, though specific facilities like Redbud Campground operate seasonally from March through December.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with some sites requiring navigation of rough gravel roads or water crossings. "The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy but we had no problem in a 4x4, also saw Volvos and Subarus do just fine," noted one Jackson Falls visitor. Sites like Dixon Springs State Park and Deer Ridge Campground offer more accessible options with gravel pads and electrical hookups for RVs. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many areas, particularly at Jackson Falls and other remote locations. Weather considerations include potential for heavy rain that can make dirt roads impassable and increase water levels at creek crossings.
The campground experience varies widely across the forest. Tent campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites at Jackson Falls but should be prepared for minimal amenities - only vault toilets are available, with no drinking water or garbage service. Mixed-use campgrounds like Shawnee Forest Campground and Oak Point offer more comfortable stays with showers, drinking water, and electric hookups. According to one camper, "If you enjoy untouched nature, this is definitely a place to visit," though they also warned about ticks being prevalent during certain seasons. Hikers and climbers benefit from direct trail access at several campgrounds, with Bell Smith Springs offering hiking paths leading directly to scenic springs and rock formations. Wildlife sightings including coyotes and raccoons are common at campgrounds throughout the forest.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$15 / night
"Red Bud Campground Shawnee National Forest Bell Smith Springs Recreational Area Harrisburg, IL Red Bud Campground is a secluded heavily tree covered campground perfect for tent and RV Camping."
"However, by Saturday morning (Easter weekend) all but 5 sites had cleared out and we had the place nearly to ourselves for the rest of the stay. "
$40 / night
"A nice stop to visit the Shawnee National Forest."
"We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."
"Jackson offers some of the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are about 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, with multiple routes."
"We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading. We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible."
$10 / night
"Great trails within walking distance. One of the most clear and closest to the sky areas in the midwest for sky gazing. The camp sites are nicely sized."
"Pharaoh's was super close to everything we wanted to see and made a great home base. It's very minimal with fire pits and pit bathrooms being the only amenities but we didn't mind at all."
$10 - $20 / night
"Our favorite in all of Illinois!!"
"Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many that back right up to Lake Glendale."
$12 - $44 / night
"This campground is an absolute gem and is by far our favorite in Illinois.Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many"
"There is a longer wine trail further west in Shawnee National Forest. When I entered Lake Glendale, Cardinal Bay boat launch was the first area I visited."
"Located near Shawnee National Forest. Beautiful area. Facilities nice. Hiking. Birding. Nature!!"
"Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois."
$18 / night
"Had very nice trails, very clean. Forest is beautiful. We camped at the primitive area spot 11. Spots are pretty dam close to each other. There is camping you can walk off to."
"Great campground away from roads and noise. Goreville is small local town with grocery store and service station for supplies. South LOOP sites 1-23 are first come sites."
"Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many that back right up to Lake Glendale."
"Location is everything and this is well in the middle of a great area in Shawnee National Forest. Garden of the gods, Bell Smith springs, Ferne State park, and on and on."
"We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am."
"It’s off the highway down Amish/Dutch country. It has a maintained gravel road beautiful lake and in June it’s covered with lightening bugs. Lots of wild flowers and the sunset- WOW!"
GuidePristine campsites with steamy hot showers! What more could you want?! One bar with mint mobile but starlink works no problem! No sewer hook up at all sites but no matter! There’s a dump site! The lake is beautiful and quiet with a swimming area! Definitely a must stay!
GuideFull hook up. Level. Parked in large trees. Concerned we might not be able to get our slide out, but it was okay. Shaded. Great water views. Lots of boat activity. Gave we “party cove” vibes. But family friend party cove.
GuideThe views!!! Loved it. Lots to do in the area. Recommend Giant City! Grounds were well maintained. There was a giant snake behind our site. And goose poop everywhere. But we are camping in THEIR homes.
GuideLovely lake. If you have an E-bike, you can ride MILES around the lower portion of the lake.
We were in spot 57. Spectacular views of the lake. Lots of trees. Large spaces. Nice concrete picnic table. But boy oh boy was this space unlevel. We were down 13 inches low in the back. The best we could get it was 6 inches off. A camper may not be as much an issue… but a class A, it’s rough.
GuideWe were on our hike in Shawnee National Forest, and we found this campground. And it was an amazing experience. It has a beautiful view of the sunset, and there are ponds. There are horses on the property, and it’s very cheap for tent camping. The staff was amazing. She showed us around with her 4x4 the whole property, the horses, and the pony or a donkey. The showers were pretty decent and cleaned
I would recommend this place for everyone
LegendBenton KOA Journey is an easy overnight stop just off I-57. Since we were already familiar with the campground layout, we called ahead to ask if we could go directly to our site on the opposite side of the road from the office and check in afterward. The staff gladly accommodated our request. We stayed in Deluxe Full-Hookup Pull-Through Patio Site 65, which made it easy to center our 40-foot fifth wheel on the utilities. The site was slightly off level, but we did not need to use blocks. The gravel patio featured a huge wheelchair-accessible picnic table, fire pit with cooking grate, stand-up charcoal grill, wooden swing, and bench. We received one bar on Verizon and two bars on T-Mobile. There are mature trees around the seven pull-through sites across the road from the main campground, but Starlink should work in most of them if you're able to position the dish around the trees. For this overnight stay, we used our T-Mobile Home Internet, which averaged 358 Mbps download and 2.7 Mbps upload. The campground Wi-Fi was adequate for light browsing. A fenced dog park was conveniently located near our site, and being across the road from the main campground helped reduce interstate noise. Overall, this is a clean, well-run KOA with exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, and a good overnight stop returning to our home base in southern Illinois to rest and dump tanks.
ScoutTook a road trip in are RV over the summer last year and stumbled across this place they had it all water hookup waste hook up and were very reasonable on price definitely recommend
ScoutAwesome campsite rented a cabin we brought are dogs so we had to find a location that excepted pets and they were the ones who were friendly and awsome definitely recommend if u want a place to go this is the place
LegendBefore arrival, we received a helpful confirmation email with clear directions for entering the campground, although the turn was easy with our 40-foot fifth wheel. Check-in was exceptionally friendly—we were even welcomed by a fellow Brinkley owner—and escorted to pull-through Site A6 with full hookups. The utilities were easy to reach, and water pressure was good. We were pleasantly surprised to learn we could park our truck anywhere, even on the grass. Starlink would be questionable because of the mature trees, but the campground's Wi-Fi was better than most we have experienced at around 50 Mbps download and 24 Mbps upload. We had two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile, while our T-Mobile Home Internet work well. The upper A-loop pull-through sites are fairly level but somewhat close together. The terraced B, C, and D loops could be more challenging for larger rigs to maneuver, level, and exit. The campground also offers a fishing pond, cabins, tent sites, and a fenced dog park. Overall, this is a clean, well-maintained KOA Journey with friendly staff that worked very well for our overnight stay, and we would stay here again.
Shawnee National Forest spans 280,000 acres of southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. The rugged terrain features sandstone formations with elevations ranging from 350 to 1,064 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures typically hover between 20-40°F, while summer months see averages of 70-90°F with high humidity making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
Hiking natural bridges: At Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area, trails lead to unique rock formations and natural bridges. "There's hiking trails, but they can potentially be confusing, so take a picture of the map and make a plan if you can. There's a natural rock bridge formation, and lots of dramatic cliffs," notes one camper who appreciated the diverse terrain.
Swimming in natural pools: During warmer months, several campgrounds offer access to swimming areas. "Just around the corner (or down the trail at the start of camp) is a network of hiking trails. They scurry around cliffs, falls and ravines. We found small pools perfect for a summer dip. Half the hikers were carrying towels so it must be a common plan," explains a visitor at Bell Smith Springs.
Fishing year-round: Shawnee Forest Campground provides easy access to fishing opportunities. "They have a small lake and two ponds for fishing," mentions a reviewer. Many campsites throughout the forest are situated near water access points, making fishing a convenient activity regardless of season.
Natural water features: Turkey Ridge Campground at Ferne Clyffe State Park offers access to memorable water features. "The hiking is incredible. We found some beautiful hiking and water holes," shares a camper. These natural formations provide cooling relief during hot Illinois summers.
Night sky viewing: Many campsites benefit from minimal light pollution. "I had no service and it was pitch black at night," describes a Bell Smith Springs camper, highlighting the ideal conditions for stargazing. Several primitive campgrounds offer this advantage, particularly during clear nights in spring and fall.
Geological exploration: Pharoah Campground at Garden of the Gods Recreation Area sits near dramatic rock formations. "The rock formations are surreal and shoulder season is so quiet! We will be back as the hiking is awesome," notes a visitor. These ancient sandstone structures date back 320 million years.
Water conditions vary seasonally: Several water crossings can be challenging after rainfall. "Also important to note that there are lots of ticks and poison ivy everywhere," warns a Jackson Falls visitor, highlighting how environmental conditions change throughout the year.
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Jackson Falls offers minimal amenities. "Car camped without any issues but it's worth mentioning that I didn't have T-Mobile cellphone reception and the bathroom was a bit dirty," shares a camper. Most primitive sites feature vault toilets that receive varying maintenance.
Reservations vary by campground: Many Shawnee National Forest campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis, particularly for primitive sites. "No reservations though so you'll want to get there ahead of time to ensure yourself a spot," advises a Lake Glendale visitor about weekend camping. Arriving by early afternoon on weekdays typically ensures site availability.
Pool access for kids: Dixon Springs State Park offers a swimming pool with additional features. "They offer free firewood for campers, which was such a treat! We also enjoyed the chocolate factory right across the street," notes a visitor. The pool typically charges a small entry fee of around $6 per person.
Playgrounds available: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The concessionaire stocks ice and wood, folks drive nice and slow for the kids, and there is a little playground for the kids to play on as well," reports a camper at Lake Glendale Recreation Area. These spaces provide entertainment when families need a break from hiking.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campsites offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Beautiful campground with plenty of room between sites. Great family friendly place. Trails and roads maintained well," shares a Dixon Springs visitor. Morning and evening hours provide the best chances for wildlife sightings.
Gravel pad availability: Deer Ridge Campground offers prepared sites for RVs. "The sites are spacious and have picnic tables and fire rings. Full hookups is a plus. Super convenient to 24 but not too close that it is loud," describes a visitor. Most gravel pads require leveling blocks as sites may not be perfectly flat.
Size limitations: Many Shawnee Forest roads have restrictions for larger RVs. "Very large rigs (35+) will be challenging, but I've seen them - more towards the front," advises a camper about Oak Point Campground. Calling ahead to confirm accessibility is recommended for RVs longer than 30 feet.
Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups vary by campground. "We have a 29 foot camper: the sites and roads are snug for it. At site 6 it goes downhill so it is difficult to get your camper level. Water available at dump station but not consumable," notes a Dixon Springs visitor. Many campgrounds offer electrical connections while fewer provide water at individual sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Shawnee National Forest camping sites?
Amenities vary widely across Shawnee National Forest campgrounds. Oak Point - Lake Glendale offers more developed facilities with water and electric hookups, private sites, and access to a beach area. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park provides gravel pads with electricity, picnic tables, drinking water, showers, and flush toilets. More rustic options like Johnson Creek have centralized bathhouses, pit toilets, and drinking water stations. Dispersed camping areas such as Jackson Falls have minimal or no amenities. Come prepared with your own supplies, especially if staying at the more remote sites.
What recreational activities are available while camping in Shawnee National Forest?
Shawnee National Forest offers diverse recreational activities for all interests. Hiking is abundant, with Pine Ridge providing easy access to Garden of the Gods, one of the forest's most spectacular features. Jackson Falls is a premier rock climbing destination that's also popular with horseback riders. The forest excels in stargazing opportunities, particularly at Pharoah campground, noted for having some of the clearest skies in the Midwest. Water activities abound with swimming beaches at Lake Glendale and fishing at Kincaid Lake near Johnson Creek. Birdwatching and nature photography are excellent throughout the forest, with Ferne Clyffe State Park offering particularly good opportunities for spotting local wildlife.
Do I need reservations for camping at Shawnee National Forest?
Reservation policies vary throughout Shawnee National Forest. Hilltop Campground, a private option near the forest, is recommended for those wanting guaranteed availability with reservations. For public campgrounds, many developed sites like Lake Glendale Recreation Area accept reservations, which are strongly recommended during peak seasons (spring and fall) and weekends. Some smaller campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Dispersed camping areas like Jackson Falls don't require formal reservations but can become crowded, especially on weekends and near the college campus. For the best camping experience, especially during popular times, securing reservations where available is advisable.
Where are the designated campgrounds in Shawnee National Forest?
Shawnee National Forest offers several designated campgrounds across its vast landscape. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground is centrally located with trail access and excellent stargazing opportunities. Johnson Creek features three camping loops in the northwestern edge with single, double, and triple sites. Other notable campgrounds include Pine Ridge near Garden of the Gods, Oak Point at Lake Glendale with lakeside sites, and dispersed camping options at Jackson Falls. Ferne Clyffe State Park, located within the forest, offers both Deer Ridge and Turkey Ridge campgrounds. Most developed sites provide basic facilities while dispersed camping requires more self-sufficiency.
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